Skip to Content
HomeAbout this siteHelpSearch this site The Library of Congress
America's Story from America's LibraryMeet Amazing AmericansJump Back in TimeExplore the StatesJoin America at PlaySee, Hear and Sing
Jump Back in Time Revolutionary Period (1764-1789)
 
Timeline
Franklin and King Louis XVI at Versailles
Benjamin Franklin's first audience before King Louis XVI at Versailles to arrange the Treaty of Amity

Enlarge this image
France Allied with American Colonies
February 6, 1778

Friends, and in French, amis! On February 6, 1778, Benjamin Franklin was in France signing the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance. The Treaty of Amity and Commerce recognized the U.S. as an independent nation and promoted trade between France and America. The second agreement, the Treaty of Alliance, made the fledgling United States and France allies against Great Britain in the Revolutionary War. The French decided to back the U.S. in its military efforts until the U.S. had full independence from Great Britain. After that, the treaty required France and the U.S. to work together on any peace agreement. Did you know the French helped the U.S. to win the Revolutionary War?
page 1 of 3 Next



Library Of Congress | Legal Notices | Privacy | Site Map | Contact Us